Product Description
Hopi one piece Hano Mana Kachina holding a water vessel and corn, by Cecil Calnimptewa, Jr.
Cecil Calnimptewa, Jr. is a top prize-winning Hopi carver. His one-piece carvings are highly sought by museums and serious collectors. Cecil was initiated and began to participate in the Hopi dances. To develop his style, Cecil’s wife, Muriel Navasie who was a well know carver as well, helped him by serving as a model. He would drape her with fabric to study natural folds in cloth. He also dressed himself up in kilts and sashes, carefully observing the details, while standing in front of a mirror.
In August of 1991, Cecil won Best of Division, Best of Class, and 1st place ribbons at Santa Fe Indian Market. After they returned home from Santa Fe, Muriel suddenly became ill and soon passed away from pneumonia or possibly Hantavirus. The loss of his wife was very hard. While his family members helped him maintain a gallery on Third Mesa, Cecil consoled his children. He later returned to carving, creating some of his most powerful artwork.
